The Festive, Sweet Simmer Pot That Can Use Either Honey Or Maple Syrup

As we're officially in the holiday season, it's time to enter full-on host mode. This means washing the bed sheets, vacuuming under the couch, and ensuring our homes smell their very best. While, of course, you can always opt for a basic candle or room spray, there is another option for creating the perfect seasonal scent for your home: a festive, sweet simmer pot.

As you might expect from its name, a simmer pot is an easy way to create your own DIY fragrance, typically requiring only your stovetop and a few items from around your home and pantry. As opposed to a single candle, a simmer pot can be a makeshift potpourri, filling your space with your favorite seasonal smells and ingredients. There are countless recipe options for simmer pots that will refresh your home in just a few hours. 

But to create a sweet-smelling fragrance throughout your home, follow this simple simmer pot recipe from Orchids + Sweet Tea and add either honey or maple syrup for that sugary scent. This simmer pot features orange slices, lemon slices, fresh cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, allspice berries, star anise, and vanilla extract. Maple syrup or honey adds a hint of extra sweetness.

While you can always create a personalized air-freshening simmer pot using items from your garden and kitchen, this simmer pot will supercharge you and your guests with the holiday spirit. Gather your ingredients and a large pot. Fill the pot about three-quarters full with water. Place it onto your stovetop, and heat it over medium-high heat while you add in your festive ingredients. Once your ingredients are in, allow the pot to come to a boil before decreasing the heat to just a simmer. Keep it on low for two to three hours. 

If you want to further customize this recipe, you can use apple juice or cider instead of water as the base liquid. Or add real clippings from your Christmas tree, pine sprigs, apple slices, and more. To keep the simmer pot going, continue adding more water as it evaporates. In total, this pot can last anywhere from two to seven days.